“hitler Will Be in Power Before Year is Out”.

October 8, 1931

London (Oct. 7)

Take my tip-watch the political situation closely. Sensational events are going to take place this week, and Hitler will be in power before the year is out. It was two days ago, the “Daily Express” correspondent in Berlin writes in to-day’s issue of the paper, that Colonel Roehm, the warrior chief of the German Fascist army, made this prophecy to me. To-day the first part of his prophecy has been fulfilled with the resignation of the Government. At present Dr. Bruening proposes to form a new Cabinet immediately. The Nationalist Opposition, however, have already announced their hostility to a new Bruening Cabinet. There is little doubt in my mind that when the Reichstag meets on October 13th., it will force an immediate dissolution and a general election, and such an election at this moment would fulfil the second part of Colonel Roehm’s prophecy. The grave crisis in which Germany finds herself now has caused many million of Germans to believe that only Hitler and a strong Nationalist Government can save the country.

All the elements composing the National Opposition, the “Times” says, are awaiting the moment to pounce. At Harzburg next Sunday, on the eve of the new Reichstag session, all these groups and organisations are meeting. Herr Hitler will be there for the Nazis; Herr Hugenberg for the Nationalists; Herr Seldte for the Steel Helm; Count Kalckreuth for the land-owning interests combined in the Land Union, and Count von der Goltz for the die-hard United Patriotic associations. The National Opposition is well organised and clearly ready to step in when a suitable moment occurs.

Dr. Bruening, the “Times” adds, however, is the man to retain control in his hands if anyone can. A swift reorganisation of the Cabinet, a bold front to the Reichstag, and he may again be master of the situation until the spring session.

The omens imply that Herr Hitler now believes that the hour of destiny is about to strike for him, the “News Chronicle” writes.

It is feared, it says, that on the reassembly next week of the Reichstag the National Socialists will move a vote of censure on the Government, which, if carried, would lead to Herr Bruening’s resignation, and would open to the Hitlerites the door to power.